📍 Indonesia

KALIMANTAN EXPLORER: JUNGLE ORANGUTANS AND DERAWAN DIVING

Orangutans roaming free in forest, archipelagos with crystal seabeds, salt lakes shimmering in sun. Kalimantan, wild beauty.

≈ 15
Days
971
Km
13
Stops
📖 8 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Cross Kutai's rainforest, a silent refuge for orangutans beneath thick canopy, before reaching the Derawan archipelago and its translucent lagoons. Kakaban surprises with its saltwater lake of peaceful waters, then Banjarmasin reveals its canals and floating markets, the living heart of southern Borneo.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Balikpapan

east coast port kalimantan gateway

Balikpapan - Photo 1Balikpapan - Photo 2Balikpapan - Photo 3Balikpapan - Photo 4Balikpapan - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Arrival in Balikpapan - financial capital of Kalimantan
2
Manggar Beach - white sand beach
🎯

Activities

→
Water activities and relaxation on the beach
→
Discovery of the modern city with shopping centers
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 262.1 km
Travel time: 3h17
2
Day

Kutai

rainforest orangutan sanctuary pristine

Kutai - Photo 1Kutai - Photo 2Kutai - Photo 3Kutai - Photo 4Kutai - Photo 5Kutai - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Kutai National Park - ironwood forest covering 198,000 hectares
2
Bontang Mangrove Park
🎯

Activities

→
Trekking and hiking in the tropical forest
→
Observation of orangutans, sun bears and deer
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 147.3 km
Travel time: 2h27
3
Day

Samarinda

mahakam river city commercial hub

Samarinda - Photo 1Samarinda - Photo 2Samarinda - Photo 3Samarinda - Photo 4Samarinda - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Mahakam River - one of the longest rivers in Indonesia
🎯

Activities

→
River cruise through tropical forests
→
Encounter with Pesut freshwater dolphins
→
Major transportation route of Kalimantan
4
Day

Berau

coastal town derawan gateway

Berau - Photo 1Berau - Photo 2Berau - Photo 3Berau - Photo 4Berau - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Derawan Island - UNESCO World Heritage site
2
Blue Trigger Wall - 18-meter underwater rock
🎯

Activities

→
World-class diving and snorkeling
→
Observation of blue-ringed octopus, manta rays and dugongs
→
White sand beaches and turquoise waters
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 134.7 km
Travel time: 2h15
5
Day

Kakaban

saltwater lake where physics bends

Kakaban - Photo 1Kakaban - Photo 2
2 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Kakaban Island - part of the Derawan Islands
2
Kakaban Lake - lake with millions of stingless jellyfish
🎯

Activities

→
Swimming with the harmless jellyfish of the lake
→
Exploration of lush jungles
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 31.3 km
Travel time: 1h03
6
Day

Maratua

diving island pristine reefs

Maratua - Photo 1Maratua - Photo 2Maratua - Photo 3Maratua - Photo 4Maratua - Photo 5Maratua - Photo 6Maratua - Photo 7Maratua - Photo 8
8 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Maratua Island - crystal clear turquoise waters and white sand
2
Tanah Bamban Lake
3
Hajj Buang Lake
🎯

Activities

→
Snorkeling and jet skiing
→
Boat excursion and panoramic observation
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 162.9 km
Travel time: 2h02
7
Day

Berau

coastal town derawan gateway

Berau - Photo 1Berau - Photo 2Berau - Photo 3Berau - Photo 4Berau - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Labuan Cermin Lake - crystal clear turquoise waters like an aquarium
🎯

Activities

→
Swimming and diving in the magical lagoon
→
Photography in clear and calm waters
8
Day

Tanjung Redeb

northeast port berau district center

Tanjung Redeb - Photo 1Tanjung Redeb - Photo 2Tanjung Redeb - Photo 3Tanjung Redeb - Photo 4Tanjung Redeb - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
Sesayap River Protected Forest - large swamp forest
🎯

Activities

→
Observation of monkeys, birds and crocodiles
→
Camping, hiking and trekking
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 166.3 km
Travel time: 2h05
9
Day

Tarakan

island city kalimantan far north

Tarakan - Photo 1Tarakan - Photo 2
2 photos
Day 9
🔍

Discover

1
White Mountain - majestic white limestone mountain
2
Tanjung Palas - Indonesian cultural icon
🎯

Activities

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Rock climbing
→
Mountain trekking
→
Cave exploration
10
Day

Samboja

river village where orangutans roam

Samboja - Photo 1Samboja - Photo 2Samboja - Photo 3Samboja - Photo 4Samboja - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 10
🔍

Discover

1
Sembuku Sembayong National Park - 400,000 hectare tropical forest
🎯

Activities

→
Elephant observation - only place in Kalimantan
→
Exploration of hills, swamps and mangrove forests
11
Day

Banjarmasin

floating market city water kingdom

Banjarmasin - Photo 1Banjarmasin - Photo 2Banjarmasin - Photo 3Banjarmasin - Photo 4Banjarmasin - Photo 5Banjarmasin - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 11
🔍

Discover

1
Banjarmasin - South Kalimantan city
2
Floating Market - unique floating market
3
Mascots Park
🎯

Activities

→
Shopping at floating markets
→
Panoramic view at Martapura River Siring Park
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 66.4 km
Travel time: 1h06
12
Day

Pelaihari

diamond mining town south coast

Pelaihari - Photo 1Pelaihari - Photo 2
2 photos
Day 12
🔍

Discover

1
Rimpi Hills - green hills nicknamed Teletubbies Hills
🎯

Activities

→
Picturesque view of green rolling hills
→
Watching the enchanting sunset
13
Day

Pontianak

equator city west kalimantan soul

Pontianak - Photo 1Pontianak - Photo 2Pontianak - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 13
🔍

Discover

1
Sinka Island Park - West Kalimantan island park
2
Sinka Zoo
3
Iconic eagle statue of the park
🎯

Activities

→
Various water activities
→
Luxury accommodation on the island
14
Day

Putussibau

remote town kapuas river upper

Putussibau - Photo 1Putussibau - Photo 2Putussibau - Photo 3Putussibau - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 14
🔍

Discover

1
Danau Sentarum National Park - Indonesia's largest wetland area 132,000 hectares
🎯

Activities

→
Observation of flora, fauna and crocodiles, monkeys, orangutans
→
Interaction with indigenous tribes living for centuries
→
Combined cultural and natural attractions

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🛡️ Travel advice - Indonesia

Check official recommendations

UK Foreign Travel Advice →

❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Dry Season (May-September): Perfect weather, minimal rainfall, ideal temperatures, clear skies, peak tourist season, best diving conditions, advance booking recommended.

Shoulder Season (April & October): Good weather, fewer crowds, moderate rainfall, reasonable prices, excellent conditions, transitional seasons, good value.

Wet Season (November-March): Heavy rainfall, lush landscapes, tropical storms, humidity high, lowest prices, fewer tourists, challenging conditions.

Regional Variations: Diverse climates, equatorial zones, monsoon patterns, altitude differences, island variations, weather monitoring essential, seasonal planning.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 12 and 18 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in Indonesia?

World's largest archipelago with incredible diversity, pristine beaches, and rich cultural heritage. Experience Bali's temples, Java's volcanoes, and authentic Indonesian culture. The country offers natural wonders with cultural depth and culinary excellence. Indonesia provides diverse experiences with cultural authenticity and natural beauty.